Bali Launches New Airport-Canggu Fast Boat Service
Sea Taxis Aim to Ease Island Traffic Congestion
Badung Regency is on the cusp of launching a new fast boat service, aiming to connect tourists directly from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to the popular coastal area of Canggu. This initiative is part of a broader plan to introduce multiple water taxi routes across Bali within the next year.
Addressing Congestion Through Waterways
Wayan Adi Arnawa, the Regent of Badung, highlighted the necessity of diversifying transportation options. He stated, “We are encouraging the existence of a mode of sea transportation in the form of a water taxi or sea taxi. We try maybe from the airport to Canggu.” The regent emphasized that land-based infrastructure alone cannot solve the significant traffic issues plaguing the Canggu tourism hub.
“Indeed, if overcoming traffic jams, it is not enough to just build roads, without also building an alternative transportation system. Indeed, in 2026, we will design a public transportation system.”
—Wayan Adi Arnawa, Regent of Badung
The plan envisions utilizing the sea to create an efficient, affordable, and enjoyable travel experience for arriving tourists. This new sea-based network could potentially extend to other key destinations like Uluwatu and Nusa Penida in the future.
Collaboration and Infrastructure Development
Regent Arnawa indicated that preparatory work is underway, including discussions with PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) to explore the feasibility and potential addition of piers. The focus is on developing both sea and land infrastructure to effectively manage congestion.
While a definitive timeline has not been set, the service is anticipated to be operational by late 2025 or early 2026. Previously, it was suggested that the Airport-Canggu route could be ready by the end of 2025.
Expanding Sea Taxi Network
This development follows other recent expansions in Bali’s maritime transport. The Denpasar – Banyuwangi fast boat service, launched recently, now connects Bali and East Java in under three hours, facilitating travel for commuters and tourists interested in exploring regions like Mount Ijen.
Additionally, a new direct sea taxi route has commenced between Benoa and Tanjung Benoa in Denpasar, significantly reducing travel time from 30 minutes by road to just 10-15 minutes by sea. The executive director of 3 Pelindo, Daru Wicaksono Julianto, emphasized that these developments aim to benefit the local community directly.
These new services complement existing options, such as GoBoat, which operates over 300 daily departures connecting major Bali tourist spots. The expansion signifies a growing trend towards maritime transport as a viable and attractive alternative for island travel. For instance, in 2023, over 2.5 million international tourists visited Bali, a figure that is expected to continue rising, increasing the demand for efficient transport solutions (Source: Statistics Indonesia).
